The International Baccalaureate (IB) has opened the annual application window for its Global Youth Action Fund, inviting students aged between 12 and 19 years to apply for grant support for projects that create social impact at the community level. Applications for the current cycle will remain open until January 30, 2026.
The fund is open to individual students as well as student groups from both IB and non-IB schools, allowing participation beyond the IB school network.
Who can apply and what the fund supports
The Global Youth Action Fund is open to secondary school students who have developed or are implementing initiatives that address social, environmental, or developmental challenges. The programme accepts applications from students across different education systems and geographies, reflecting its focus on broad participation rather than institutional affiliation.
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According to an official statement, the fund has so far supported more than 290 projects led by over 440 young people worldwide. These initiatives have addressed issues such as climate action, gender equity, and digital inclusion in diverse local contexts.
Projects must align with UN-SDGs
All projects supported under the Global Youth Action Fund are required to align with at least one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Applications are reviewed by an international panel comprising educators, subject experts, and youth representatives.
The selection process focuses on the relevance of the problem being addressed, the approach proposed by the students, the potential for sustained impact, and the ability to engage others in the initiative, according to the programme framework shared by the IB.
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The Global Youth Action Fund forms part of IB’s broader efforts to support youth participation in addressing global and local challenges. The initiative is linked to the organisation’s Festival of Hope, which serves as a platform for young people to share experiences and collaborate on solutions during periods of social and global uncertainty.
Grant support and mentoring opportunities
Selected applicants are eligible to receive grant funding of up to $3,000, depending on project requirements and decisions taken by the Global Youth Action Fund committee. In addition to financial support, students receive access to mentorship and networking opportunities with social entrepreneurs and peers working on similar initiatives in different parts of the world.
According to an official statement, the programme is designed to combine funding with guidance, allowing students to strengthen both project execution and leadership skills.
Commenting on the initiative, IB officials noted that students are increasingly engaging with challenges within their own communities and building responses that can be scaled or adapted elsewhere. The fund is intended to provide structured support to such efforts while encouraging collaboration across regions.
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